trekker954

I over prepared. I bought way too many items based on what I read here. I purchased way too many different types of Protein drinks and such. Wasted way too much money on things I never used. I wasn't prepared how fast the transformation happens. I felt like I got my sexy back after a couple of months, and now nearly six months out and almost at goal my confidence is at an all time high. Just need to keep the motivation going.

You'll need to wrap your head around that its still hard work and will power must kick in. Because at 4 weeks out, its still pretty easy to resist temptation, but trust me it will get harder. I travel a lot so I do need to eat out often. I'm six months out and pretty much at goal. There is no way, this soon out I'm even going to let rice, Pasta or bread pass my lips. I'm more or less resigned myself, at least that, no white flour, is something I will try my hardest to maintain the rest of my life. I even passed on my own birthday cake this past week. Make a list of the advantages for you in losing weight. Stay in control when you socialize with friends. Pretty soon your friends won't be judging you on what you are eating or feeling sorry for you. There are so many advantages and think about that when you are feeling deprived. You are actually going to be in better health and have more confidence in just a few more months!!!

Me too. My hair use to be very thick. Now my bangs are very thin as well as along my temples. That is where I notice it, although the way I wear my hair covers any bald spots. I had my daughter check the back of my head. Yes its thinned out quite a bit, but no bald spots are visible. Thankfully. Approaching six months and hoping it slows down soon. Every shampoo it looks like I have a cat in the shower with me. I also feel like Linus (for those who remember Snoopy comics). I walk through a room and leave a trail of long hair in my wake.

@Itsjustjustin and @mbuczkowski Where are you connecting. Is it DFW? Likely one of the legs won't even have a first class. But Private message me your dates/flight number so I can check the aircraft as well as availability to upgrade. You too @mbuczkowski PM me your outbound to San Diego. At this point I haven't had any takers and will see if I can help with the going there part.

Bcbs will require your apnea to be medically documented, is it? If not, go get a sleep study. GERD and hip issue are not of interest to them. Go to the BCBS requirements to see what you need. If you have no other medical issues they will require a 40 BMI. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I had to use an over the counter enema after a few week out. I was in so much pain, but it was such a relief after using. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I have an expiring upgrade (by Feb. 28) on American Airlines that I thought would be nice to give a fellow bariatric patient who might be flying a distance and would appreciate the extra room (obviously you won't be able to enjoy the food or drink). You need to already have your ticket purchased. Upgrades aren't always available and I'll want to make sure it clears immediately when requested. Let me know if you are interested.

Water just doesn't taste good or go down easily post op Once you flavor it, it's much easily to drink. At least for a while. Eventually it returns to normal Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

There are insurance requirements as well as surgeon may want certain tests and or clearances. For insurance most want either 3 or 6 month consecutive monthly physician diet and 2 year history of being obese. Then psychology eval, egd scope to start. If self pay most requirements seem to be waived. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I'd stop with the bananas, there are 27 carbs in just one. I would focus on Protein and lower your carb intake for a while and look at your fat intake also. You may need to increase your protein if you are doing Tae Bo every night. Are you journaling every bite. What about Water. What are you drinking? Hopefully no soda or booze.

Just have him take it out at the same time. I was fortunate that's what I had done. So many patients end up having a second surgery within a year. But since you have the scan, get it done with one surgery Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

No, save you money Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

The real hair loss, for me and I believe others, starts around 3 month and really starts falling out even more between 4 and 5 months. I'm almost at 6 and while I really notice the thinness now, I can tell its slowing down. I can see bald spots near my temples and that my bangs and middle part are much thinner/barer; luckily I had thick hair, so overall coverage is still okay. I should be one of the lucky ones and not have to resort to wearing a wig. I really do need to ask my daughter to check the back of my head to see if she can tell if there are any bald spots back there, because I have no idea. lol At 7 days out, you must be looking very hard. Relax, just concentrate on getting your Proteins and Water in. You'll have plenty of time to stress about hair loss in a few months. Congratulations on your 35 pounds total. Good job!!

I purchased a compression wrap for my tummy which helped my initial few weeks getting up and down and car rides. I probably only used it a total of 2 weeks. Wasn't worth the cost. Had nothing to do with excess skin. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

My Nut said never, although admits an occasional drink after a year is fine. As a wine eficinado I tried a fine wine at 3 months out and it took me about an hour amd a half to drink 2 ounces. Ugh. It wasn't the same. Now nearly 6 months out, I can enjoy a 5 ounce glass whenever, usually once a week. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I'm turning 63 next week and was sleeved 5 1/2 months ago. I've never thrown up once, not even nauseous. I'd say it's been surprisingly easy once you pass the three week mark. I treated the whole thing that it was my job to get Protein and fluids in, follow the plan. Stop intake when I felt full and ate very slowly. I also did my research, selected a good surgeon and a center of excellence hospital. I have no complications and no regrets Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Just think og all the WLS patients who fly home after surgery. Anything is possible. I flew 3 weeks after. You need to be careful about lifting too heavy a suitcase. You'll be fine 5 weeks after to fly. Just plan your meals. No heavy lifting Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

It took me many months to process lettuce. Early on you need to chew things till they get mushy. Lettuce is pretty flat. And remember Protein first I didn't really enjoy a small salad until 5 months. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

OMG, I'm so ashamed. You are all giving me way too much credit; believing I buy the Cookies to support the Girl Scouts, when in fact its only a small percentage of my thinking that I'm donating to them, a small percentage of I'll won't have to deal with their badgering me while entering the market but mostly like 90% that its (in the past) giving me an excuse to buy lots of cookies for MYSELF!!!! Yup, so ashamed. Even in my fat day, I would rarely buy boxed cookies, okay sometimes Milanos. But when I'd come home or show up to the office with four boxes of girl scout cookies no one would raise an eyebrown; they believe, like you all, I'm supporting a good cause. Either way, I know how to just avoid them. There are a couple of chains that allow them to sell on weekends, I know which ones and I can shop elsewhere. I believe I also have the strength to say no. I'm not sure I'd have to strength to buy and donate. I don't think I can even approach them and look. Sometimes in a supermarket I have to walk through the bakery to reach the deli counter. I fixate my eyes on the deli, so my eyes do not even glance at the baked goods or bread. Whomever thinks WLS is easy, its not!!!

For most wls patients who are losing fast, taking Biotin, rogaine or whatever won't make a difference. It's the combo of weight loss and trauma to the body from surgery that triggers the hair loss. It typically does not start until month 3 or 4 and will continue usually getting worse for many more weeks to months. But it will stop and hair will regrow. Those who are not yet 3 or 4 months postop and thinking they are one of the lucky ones, just, I hope you are, but it's doubtful. I lost 65 lbs in 2001 on a liquid diet and didn't lose any of my thick hair and thought it won't happen to me this time but almost like clockwork I have and 6 months out still am. But it's worth it. Reached goal today, and decided to reduce my goal down another 5 lbs. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I had 7, one was too far out so it was a mistake. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I use the PatchMD, multi and b12. I was a little low on my Vitamin b, so I've added a B complex with thiamine in pill form but it isn't big. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Your body can only process 30 grams of Protein at once. Maybe drink 2/3 of it, wait an hour and finish. However at 8 months out you should be getting most of your protein with real food. Only Protein drinks to supplement Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I'm almost six month out, been dropping weight consistently, although I still do occasionally get cravings which I've kept at bay. My biggest cheats may be a couple of extra cashews or two popsicles in one day. I've avoided most bad things; no problem. I know my will power is being tested more and more. I can definitely see how some get into trouble. I just found out the girl scouts start selling their Cookies tomorrow. I've always participated. I do not have any girl scout relative or even friends who kids are girl scouts. I know so there is no excuse I should even be thinking about this. But I hate the thought of seeing them outside the supermarkets this weekend. I know, I'll go shopping at 9 pm at night.

An egg, it's soft, you can chew to liquid consistency. Hummas. I wasn't allowed Soups, but many are, so try that if it's on your plan. Just no Pasta, rice, potatoes in it. While still in this phase but maybe not the first week, I did turkey and cheese roll up. Just a slice of each. You'll be pretty restricted still. Do stop eating when you think you're full. Do not take that last bite just because. I ate a lot of cheese. Check out pinterest for menus. Just search your phase. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App